Scholarship created in George Washington Carver's name

Thursday

Feb 28, 2008 at 12:01 AMFeb 28, 2008 at 1:24 PM

As a way to help graduating seniors pursue college and to keep a man’s legacy alive, the Carver Birthplace District Association, in conjunction with the George Washington Carver National Monument, is offering a scholarship.

Todd G. Higdon

As a way to help graduating seniors pursue college and to keep a man’s legacy alive, the Carver Birthplace District Association, in conjunction with the George Washington Carver National Monument, is offering a scholarship.

This is the seventh annual George Washington Carver Scholarship. It is a one-time award in the amount of $500 for the 2008-2009 academic year. It will be awarded to a local graduating high school senior, or local home school student receiving a GED certificate.

“The purpose of the scholarship is to honor Dr. Carver and to continue his legacy by giving a chance, an opportunity to youth from the area to be able to continue their own education in much the same way that Dr. Carver continued his own education,” said Paxton Williams, executive director of the Carver Birthplace District Association.

The criteria for determining the award recipient will include academic achievement, community involvement and need.

“They need to also have an essay,” said Williams. “The essay is a one-page statement why they feel they should receive the scholarship, and how receiving it will help them build their educational goals and pursuits.”

The scholarship applications are available from the national monument’s visitor center, located at 5646 Carver Road in Diamond, or from local high school guidance counselors. The application must then be submitted to the Carver Birthplace District Association, 5646 Carver Road in Diamond by Friday, April 4. Students should plan to attend Iowa State University, Tuskegee University, Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa or an accredited college within 75-mile radius of Diamond. The chosen area of study must include one of the following: Science, art, agriculture, music, education or the Bible.

“This year, I am pleased that several Carver Birthplace District Association members have decided to sponsor the scholarship,” said Williams. “We thank them for their support and we hope that their support might encourage others to look for ways that they might support the organization and help continue Dr. Carver’s legacy.”

Last year, more than 30 applications were received. Williams was pleased with the turnout. After the applications are received this year, a committee of the association’s members, local educators and respected citizens will judge them. The winner will be announced, tentatively, by mid-April.

The Carver Birthplace District Association is a non-profit organization established to assist in advancing the historical, scientific, educational and interpretive programs of the George Washington Carver National Monument.

For more information about the application, contact Paxton Williams at 325-4151, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Neosho Daily News

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